Insight & Practice.

Leading an organisation has never been more challenging. As the forces impacting business performance grow ever more complex, trading conditions are increasingly tumultuous. Traditional management tools are no longer effective. Leaders must find different ways to explore the unknown and shore up operating resilience. In this episode, Cat, Jen and Dom are joined by entrepreneur, CEO, writer and keynote speaker Margaret Heffernan to explore the power of conversation in unleashing fresh thinking.

As the global economy grows ever more complex and uncertain, new skills are needed. Endless streams of new enterprise technology, deteriorating international relations, the rise of populist leaders, climate chaos, misinformation and disinformation – there’s no shortage of issues confounding modern leaders. In this episode, leadership advisor, coach and futurist Louise Mowbray sets out the new skills for future-focused leadership.

Since the start of 2025, many organisations have reduced or cancelled DEI activities in deference to the rise of illiberalism across the globe. Already marginalised groups are increasingly nervous that a new wave of right-wing politicians is endorsing racism, sexism, homophobia and other prejudices. In this episode, Dom, Jen and Cat meet with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, to explore why inclusion remains a mission-critical issue for organisational performance.